A forgettable ending to memorable Pistons era

AUBURN HILLS -- With five minutes remaining, Cleveland's LeBron James backed down Detroit's Will Bynum, with Bynum giving away eight inches, millions in pay and four years of NBA experience.

James twirled and dunked, nobody helped on defense and nobody was surprised.

The Pistons fans started the forlorn climb up the steps and out the doors of The Palace, and several hundred Cleveland fans made themselves obnoxious until the 99-78 edict was complete.

The final game ended with not much of a fight by the Pistons, and in a sad manner for a franchise used to winning its first-round series. The end of what was really a eight-year run of big games, championship chases and one title came to a close.

The body of work of the Pistons of recent years should be applauded, not met with a half-empty Palace and hanging heads. That's how basketball eras end though. Good thing they don't have to be remembered that way.

Let's remember this era for Ben Wallace, who came in that sign and trade for Grant Hill and became so much more. He came off the Cleveland bench, a bit player for the championship-bound Cavaliers and the target of "traitor" chant by a drunk fan. But we knew him when the rest of the league feared his presence.

Let's remember this era for Chauncey Billups, who is playing in Denver now. He was a journeyman when he arrived in Detroit, and the word was he couldn't really play point guard. Then he did it all.

Let's remember this era for Richard Hamilton, the whirling scorer who this year had to give up his spot to a petty washed-up Allen Iverson for naught. Rip admitted this losing, this eight-seed afterthought season, was killing him.

Let's remember this era for Tayshaun Prince, who limped to the finish line hurt. It's impossible to guard LeBron James even with healthy. No chance exists for the wounded. Think of all the players the Pistons have made Prince guard over the years. No wonder he is whipped.

Let's remember this era for Antonio McDyess, who rejuvenated a career beset by knee injuries, and tried so hard to be part of a champion. Nobody wanted it more. Nobody took the tough losses harder.

Let's remember this era for Rasheed Wallace, who they traded for in 2004, baggage and all, and helped bring a championship. He set the tone of things, a man with skills to make you forgive his strange ways and words.

Let's remember this one for Larry Brown, even though he couldn't wait to leave. And for Flip Saunders, who had to leave. And even Rick Carlisle for helping teach them to win.

Sure, there have been dark and Darko moments, and a few easy-to-forget players who didn't cut it. But remember Lindsey Hunter's hustle and the close calls. Cast aside old laments. Forget the most recent season, too.

The celebration should be for having moments to remember. The Pistons of the last half dozen years won a multitude of games and broke many hearts on the opposing side. Laud those efforts. Remember the good stuff.

Sure, hold the front office accountable for the money the Iverson contract will bring this summer, which simply must produce a player that will make for more big moments.

But it's fine to bow to Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations, who was part of championships as a player, too. Where would this franchise be without him?